"Salcey Forest Treetop Walk is being closed, apparently due to neglect, as it has now become too dangerous to use," reads the petition by Northamptonshire resident Emma Mooney.

"The treetop walk is a large part of our community and hundreds of visitors, families and walkers will now be missing the opportunity to visit the forest for this fantastic addition to Northamptonshire countryside."

The Tree Top Way is a quarter-mile route that rises to 20 metres above the forest floor, and at its height offers a view above the trees. It opened in 2005 and reportedly cost £750,000 to build.

A spokesperson from The Forestry Commission said: "The Tree Top Way at Salcey Forest is currently closed following a safety inspection that indicates we need to review a number of maintenance options.

"At this stage we don’t know how long this closure will be for.

"However there is still lots to see and do at Salcey Forest, including our walking and cycling trails, the play area, excellent onsite cafe and the beautiful forest itself."